A very musical Christmas (minimal skill and bravery required)
Key ingredient: harmony
SINGING
Key ingredient: creativity
BY BEX VANKOOT
Author
You might groan when you hear your first Christmas carol playing over the mall sound system, but there is a reason these songs provoke such a reaction. Share the spirit of the season with those in need through the gift of a song!
Recipe: Gift of Song
WHAT YOU NEED
Time: Low Medium High
Budget: $ $$ $$$
- People with music in their hearts — as many as you can find gathered in one place
- 1 part melody
- 2 parts harmony
- 3 parts Christmas cheer
- 1 part memory
- 2 parts bravery
- 1 part creativity
DIRECTIONS
- Decide on your musical talents so everyone in your family has a role. Play an instrument? Love to sing? Can you bang on a drum or shake a rattle? Got a great dance move to show off? What about family friends who might want to join in?
- Choose your venue. Who do you know who could use a little extra holiday cheer? Check with local elder care facilities, hospices, children’s hospital wards, or take a walk to some local businesses where folks are working hard for the holidays.
- Pick your set list. What songs are you going to perform? Sit down with your group and list out your favorite Christmas carols and holiday songs. Think about who you will perform for, how long it should be, and what songs they will enjoy.
- Practice makes perfect. Spend a few days beforehand practicing the songs on your list, figuring out what you want to wear, who stands where, and who gets which part. Make sure everyone is involved. Let those little stars shine!
- Perform! Sing, play, dance, or act along to your favorite recordings with all the holiday cheer you can muster.
Recipe: Singing
WHAT YOU NEED
Time: Low Medium High
Budget: $ $$ $$$
- People with music in their hearts — as many as you can find gathered in one place
- 1 part melody
- 2 parts harmony
- 3 parts Christmas cheer
- 1 part memory
- 2 parts bravery
- 1 part creativity
DIRECTIONS
- Decide on your musical talents so everyone in your family has a role. Play an instrument? Love to sing? Can you bang on a drum or shake a rattle? Got a great dance move to show off? What about family friends who might want to join in?
- Choose your venue. Who do you know who could use a little extra holiday cheer? Check with local elder care facilities, hospices, children’s hospital wards, or take a walk to some local businesses where folks are working hard for the holidays.
- Pick your set list. What songs are you going to perform? Sit down with your group and list out your favorite Christmas carols and holiday songs. Think about who you will perform for, how long it should be, and what songs they will enjoy.
- Practice makes perfect. Spend a few days beforehand practicing the songs on your list, figuring out what you want to wear, who stands where, and who gets which part. Make sure everyone is involved. Let those little stars shine!
- Perform! Sing, play, dance, or act along to your favorite recordings with all the holiday cheer you can muster.
Make unforgettable memories with your family this Christmas with these 12 ideas!
DIY, Family Activities, Prayer, and more.
Make unforgettable memories with your family this Christmas with these 12 ideas!
DIY, Family Activities, Prayer, and more.
My 'Recipe' Story
I grew up among musical people. My grandfather was a country fiddler who loved the stage. My mother played both guitar and banjo, breaking them out around the fire on a camping trip in summer or around the Christmas tree each winter. I started classical violin lessons at age 3, and every year after, I found myself in the company of family, friends, and neighbors who would listen to us perform. It permeated our home, our church, our festivals, and feasts.
Music, to me, is the soul of Christmas.
Even in the dark and cold of winter, we can come together and raise our voices, sing out praises, and believe the light and warmth will come again. Anyone can share a song, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
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